On the recordSeptember 8, 2015
I am pleased to support H.R. 1725, the ``National All Schedules Prescription Electronic Reporting (NASPER) Reauthorization Act,'' which helps States establish and maintain prescription drug monitoring programs in order to combat prescription drug abuse, a public health crisis affecting communities across the country. I have been a long-time champion of this bill with my colleague Representative Whitfield and I am pleased that Representatives Kennedy and Bucshon joined our efforts this Congress to reauthorize the NASPER program. Prescription drug monitoring programs help prescribers, pharmacists, and law enforcement track and prevent the misuse of prescription drugs. Forty nine states currently have laws authorizing these programs and they are playing a critical role in our efforts to combat the opioid crisis. This bill, however, once passed into law, will need funding and investment by appropriators in order to be effective. I urge Members to ensure that investment is met. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Guthrie) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1725, as amended. The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. ____________________
